I was hoping some more experienced posters could tell me about ODP--is it worth it, how many kids get chosen to go to the camp, etc. My son is an 00 classic league keeper and he wants to try out. (My understanding is that tryouts are going to be in September?) Is there anything we should know about the process and about what the program offers as we make the decision?

Thanks in advance.

I was wondering the same thing. Good Question.

Lots of previous posts/threads on this issue for you to refer to.

Only new thing to add IMO is that ODP is trying to improve here in NTX, but still may have a huge hurdle as I believe the US Club soccer's id2 program will take over.

That said, as an 00 you really don't have much to lose in trying out.

Agreed, no reason not to do it. It also may really be the cheapest soccer available in town...

If you don't set your expectations to high and see it as extra touches you will be fine.

I agree with the German. Most of the coaches (not all) have D3 or lower teams. As a keeper, the keeper skills are pretty good and in my son's age they had 14 to 16 to start and cut it down to 6. We look at 8 hours of keeper skills for $100 a pretty good deal and they do the same drills most of the keeper coaches do. I would try out, you will get extra touches and exposure to different players and styles.

what age can kids try out at?

TexasSoccer02 wrote:what age can kids try out at?

ODP is age pure and the 00's are the latest addition to the programm. So if you bb was born in 00 he can try out. http://www.ntxsoccer.org/players/odpfaq.aspx

laterdays wrote:I was hoping some more experienced posters could tell me about ODP--is it worth it, how many kids get chosen to go to the camp, etc. My son is an 00 classic league keeper and he wants to try out. (My understanding is that tryouts are going to be in September?) Is there anything we should know about the process and about what the program offers as we make the decision?

Thanks in advance.

Think of the ODP as a fun place to meet other soccer kids. If you think its setup to improve players, you maybe disappointed. If you want your keeper to get better, put him on very very weak indoor teams, year-round. LOL

Our experience with ODP has been positive but we were looking as the others on this post told us to ........ as extra touches on the ball. We were invited to the camp this summer and the 96 bracket only took 18. But the 97 bracket invited two teams of 17 to 18. It is up to each coach as to how they approach the program. My son has enjoyed the program and will continue to attend as long as they will continue to have him!

Is there a way to know who the coaches are?

Any one have that answer? We did not attend the camp this summer and from what I understand our coach quit over an issue with the camp. So I don't even know who our coach is at this time.

I do know that at any practice on any date you can have any coach. They all help each other out. My son has only been with ODP about a year and he had his normal coach and then the assistant coach. When he went to Oklahoma his coach had a previous commitment and did not attend so the assistant coach went with the boys and then he had to cover for another coach, so we had a fill in coach.

My son likes this aspect as he gets the opportunity to learn from many different coaches

BB loves the game and enjoys all the extra time he can get so I think we'll let him go through the tryout process. I really do appreciate the insight--thanks for taking the time to share.

My son tired out 3 times before he made the cut. But each time it was him that wanted to go back. He has kept all the rejection letters on his bulletin board in his room along with the acceptance e-mail.

It was very hard on him the first time he did not make it so be sure you discuss the issue of not making it!

For the price, you are getting a very good deal. It is worth for the price for sure. Your son would be exposed to other keepers and train with different coaches and that experience is worth it as well.

I think you have at least another year or two before you can get selected to the camp. This year 98 Boys went to Alabama, and several players were selected to the camp in California to train with the potential national team members!

Make sure your son attends to all of the try-outs, and do the best he can at the first try-out.

Newly formed pre-academy league is causing players to withdraw from ODP, and some suspect that ODP may not be that relevant in the near future. Nevertheless, it is an extra touch with the ball and I think it is worthwhile to give it a try.